ProGear 190 Compact Recumbent Bike with Heart Pulse Sensors

Beginners who want to invest in a simple, no frills machine might want to check out the ProGear 190. This lightweight recumbent bike is ideal for anyone who doesn’t want a bulky model that claims a lot of floor space. It’s also quite affordable, with a price tag that ranges between $100 and $200. Because of its affordable price, the bike lacks more luxurious and professional options but it will certainly get the job done and help you lose between 300 and 500 calories per hour on high intensity. It is ideal for occasional use and is designed to protect you from common sports-related injuries.

Comfort Level

Since it comes with a semi-reclined seat, you will be more comfortable and motivated to lengthen your workout and burn more calories. The contoured recumbent seat is also suitable for users of various shapes and sizes. Unlike upright bikes, users with mobility issues might find it slightly easier to get on and off the machine. The recumbent position additionally offers a fluid pedaling rotation to prevent aches and strains. The handlebars are aptly positioned to suit overweight users as well. Users can actually access the pulse sensors through the handlebars.

The oversized seat can be adjusted forwards and backwards, depending on your requirement and individual height. This is why the ProGear 190 can be comfortably used by all the members of the family. Since it is a budget-friendly bike with basic, no-frills features, it does not come with more luxurious amenities like the aero-ventilated seat you can find on the Schwinn 230, but this didn’t seem to be a problem for frequent users since the seat is lightly padded. The machine does include large pedals that can fit various shoe sizes. The pedals are equipped with Velcro straps.

Because of the extended legs, you will be able to benefit from more stability, even if you’re obese or prefer more intense workouts. The ProGear 190 is equipped with a high torque, 3-piece cranking system which will help you benefit from a smooth and consistent workout, regardless of how lengthy your training session is.

Features and Specifications

The machine’s technical specifications include:

Product Dimensions: 38 x 21 x 44 inches

Maximum Capacity: 275 pounds

Heart Rate Sensors: Yes

Frame Materials: Steel and rubber

Product Weight: 47 pounds

Transport wheels: Yes

Resistance Type: Magnetic

Resistance Levels: 8

The ProGear 190 has a small LCD screen that can easily display different information such as the approximate number of calories burned, time elapsed, heart rate and speed. The heart rate sensors are located in the armrests and these gadgets will help you track your target heart rate. This is also ideal for elderly users.

A dial knob is positioned underneath the LCD screen, hence allowing you to access the eight levels of magnetic resistance. While eight levels might not be challenging enough to veteran athletes, they are quite suitable for beginners since you will be able to start off on a low setting and build up your endurance.

This machine is surprisingly lightweight but does not wobble, thanks to the leg stabilizers. It has transport wheels for easy storage. If you live in an apartment, dorm room or if you’re short on space, you will be glad to learn that the machine even comes with a foldable feature.

Ease of Use

Since it is particularly geared towards beginners, the machine is straightforward and simple to operate. It has basic amenities but no over-the-top options are included which is why beginners and intermediate users found it easy to use. For example, the pedals are lightly textured to provide a comfortable grip, ensuring that your foot doesn’t slip during vigorous workouts. The steel construction is extremely solid and can resist signs of wear and tear. The bike also includes a heavy flywheel that ensures a smooth pedaling motion while deriving energy from general problem areas such as the hips, waist, thighs, glutes as well as the abdominal muscles. Thanks to the V-belt drive system, the machine is also on the quiet side, enabling you to listen to music or watch movies while you train.

Assembly and parts

Because it arrives partly assembled, you will need to manually attach the seat, pedals and screen to the main frame. Customers found that this step was relatively easy and claimed between one to two hours of their time. You will normally require an Allen wrench and a screwdriver to assemble the machine. All the other bolts are included in the boxed packaging. A manual –complete with illustrations and step by step instructions- is also included. The boxed packaging weighs 47.2 pounds.

Drawbacks

The ProGear 190 is quite a basic machine, which is why it did draw some mild criticism from a few customers. Experienced athletes, for instance, were not impressed by the machine’s simple interface and found that the eight levels of resistance did not provide an adequate challenge for them. A couple of users claimed that some parts were missing from their machines but this issue was quickly resolved. Some people additionally found that the seat was hard at first, in spite of the padding, and it took them around 2-3 weeks to break in the seat.

Overall

In spite of its drawbacks, this still remains a decent investment for any beginner who wants to use it for a couple of hours per week. It is lightweight, compact and quite affordable but does not compromise on the quality of its features and it will certainly help you lose weight if you need it. With a sleek, yet simple design, the ProGear 190 is protected by a 1-year limited warranty.